The volunteers of the group also mouth-feed those people who can’t eat themselves due to some physical problem.

Chandra Kumari, who is visually impaired, said:

“Earlier we had to beg for food but it was not sure whether you would get enough alms to buy a meal. Since Roti Bank started in Mahoba, I have never gone without food. God bless the pious souls who started such an initiative.”

The bank began with a humble beginning. A member of the bank, Asgar said that this novel idea stuck them when they saw children begging at a bus stop one morning.

He explains:

“We told children that we would give them food but not money. They readily agreed and we had them have food at an eatery nearby. The children also said that they would stop begging if they get food.”

That was the time when the idea of Roti Bank idea emerged. “We knew we couldn’t do it alone and needed the support of the common people, who were not only capable of lending us a helping hand but also willing to do so,” Asgar said.

So, the group started with a process where each family was supposed to cook for five people on a rotational basis. But this process didn’t work out as the burden fell on the women of the family.

After some modifications, they chalked out the current process and it worked.

Also, it sets an example of communal harmony as both Hindus and Muslims work for the bank.

“Our only wish is that no one should die of hunger. I keep Roja (fasting during the month of Ramzan) and offer namaz (prayer) but I know that we will be blessed by the Almighty more if we serve these poor and helpless people,” said Asgar.

Despite the volunteers having a regular job, they make sure that they take out time for collecting the food.

“A majority of the volunteers are engaged in either some job or have their own business. In the day time they are busy in their work but make sure to spare some time in the evening,” Asgar added.